K.C. Burgess Yakemovic asks, "Are the tests not available because they are
not _possible_? Or because those who fund the development of tests do not
value these "skills"?"
It is a complex answer. The tests are possible, but difficult. They are
beginning to be constructed.
Historically, we taught facts in school. Multiplication, history,
grammar, and so forth. Thus it was logical to test fact retention or
method retention. In math we taught math skills, so we tested math
skills. We did not know if a kid could use the skills appropriately.
Even today, the Advanced Placement test in Calculus tests whether or not
you can integrate and differentiate using all the standard methods. You
can pass the test and not be adept at knowing when to use which skills.
You can also fail the test even though you can solve very complex problems
involving integration and differentiation. You will fail if you are not
fluent in the use of al the mechanical skills. I know kids who can get an
A in a college Calculus class in a premier college, and who cannot pass
the AP exam.
The tests are difficult to create for two reasons. First, there is still
a large group of people who value the fact-based approach, so there is
some resistance. And don't get me wrong, there is a need for some factual
knowledge. The question is how much, and what other kinds of knowledge
should also be part of education.
There is also resistance from people who don't like standardized tests.
They feel these tests will result in assessment of schools, and perhaps of
teachers. There are different people who worry that standardized tests
will result in a call for standardized curriculum, and that will result in
a loss of local control. Local control is a big issue in most
communities, particularly in New England.
Second, the tests are difficult to construct so that they are not
culturally biased. Crow bars may not have meaning to females. Little red
wagons or marbles or baseball may have no meaning to an American Indian.
Basket weaving may have meaning for an American Indian, but will be a
mystery for most other kids. This is a tough nut, but it is doable.
Maine's Educational Assessment has made some progress in Math.
-- Rol Fessenden LL Bean 76234.3636@compuserve.com